Why are almonds good for you?

A:

Quick Answer

Almonds are good for humans because they are rich in nutrients, such as biotin, vitamin E, manganese, copper, vitamin B2, phosphorus and magnesium. Almonds are also a fairly good source of dietary fiber.

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The almond is the seed of a tree, and is contains high amounts of fat. However, it is monounsaturated fat, which brings health benefits, such as the reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because almonds lower the levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can accumulate on the walls of arteries and cause them to become damaged and inflexible.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against cellular injury by free radical molecules, and magnesium is necessary for many functions in the body, including the healthy functioning of blood vessels. When blood vessels are working properly, they are able to deliver nutrients and oxygen more efficiently to the cells.

Potassium also supports heart health, since it's an electrolyte that causes muscles, including cardiac muscles, to contract properly.

The fiber in almonds also slows the passage of stool through the large intestine and adds bulk to the stool. This supports the health of the colon and regulates the body's absorption of glucose and its levels of cholesterol.